The European Space Agency (ESA) is funding the project as part of its Terrae Novae exploration program. The HOBI-WAN (Hydrogen Oxidizing Bacteria In Weightlessness As a source of Nutrition) project aims to test this innovative method for the first time in microgravity on board the International Space Station (ISS) and beyond. OHB System AG has been selected as prime contractor for the project, which will be implemented in collaboration with Solar Foods, a Finnish specialist company in food technology, to develop the space-compatible Solein gas fermentation technology.
HOBI-WAN, the answer to one of humanity's greatest challenges in space
One of the greatest challenges to human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) is providing sustainable, nutritious food that meets the crew's energy needs. When pre-deployed food depots or continuous resupply missions from Earth are impractical, resource expensive, or technically infeasible, cost-effective alternatives are needed. These can also help enable more advanced life support and retraining systems for future LEO platforms.
The goal of the HOBI-WAN project is to validate the fundamental processes and determine whether the production of protein-rich powder can also work in microgravity conditions. Solar Foods' bioprocess technology is to be translated into a compact, self-contained system capable of operating reliably in space. For example, special cartridges must inject gases without any fluid leaks, which is essential given the explosive potential of hydrogen and oxygen mixtures. The experimental box will contain three separate experiments, and the astronauts will have to collect samples during the mission.
The first phase of the HOBI-WAN project, lasting eight months, will be dedicated to the development of a scientific ground model of the Solein production technology, followed by a second phase dedicated to the manufacturing, testing and launch of the actual flight equipment.
The technology demonstrator is based on the following principle: in a bioreactor, a nutrient solution containing a bacterial culture is supplied with hydrogen, oxygen and gaseous CO₂ from storage tanks. In the future, this process could be applied on a larger scale, using hydrogen, oxygen and CO₂ produced by the crew and the habitat life support system, with greater resource recycling efficiency than the life support system currently used on the International Space Station.
Unlike Earth, where a pinch of ammonia is used as a nitrogen source, in space, urea serves as a nitrogen source for protein synthesis. Solein, the name of a protein-rich powder that requires neither agricultural land nor sunlight, is obtained from the fermentation of Xanthobacter. The experiment will be conducted in a standard mid-deck locker which will include all necessary components for the bioreactor, such as an incubator, sensors, control units and sample extraction systems.
“ This project aims to develop a key resource that will allow us to improve the autonomy and resilience of human spaceflight, as well as the well-being of our astronauts,”
explains Angelique Van Ombergen, chief exploration scientist at ESA. “For human beings to be able to carry out long-term missions to the Moon, or even one day go to Mars, we will need to find innovative and sustainable solutions allowing them to survive with limited resources. With this project, the European Space Agency is developing a key capability for the future of space exploration.
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“ Since the commissioning of the European Columbus module, OHB has been developing, operating and maintaining scientific payloads for the ISS for more than two decades. Our in-depth knowledge of the ISS environment, combined with our experience in life support systems and scientific experimentation platforms, makes us the ideal partner to bring Solar Foods' technology into orbit – and we very much look forward to this collaboration “, says Jürgen Kempf, HOBI-WAN project manager at OHB.
But the mission goes far beyond simply testing a new protein source, adds Kempf: “ We are exploring ways to sustainably support human life in space. The knowledge we gain here could also help address global challenges on Earth, such as resource scarcity and food security. We are proud to bring our expertise to a project that connects space innovation to planetary sustainability. »
“ We are really excited to be able to collaborate with OHB. Their expertise in assessment and certification, particularly with regard to mandatory safety requirements, will help us design a system that is suitable for the space environment, provides the necessary data and, above all, can be used safely on board a manned space station said Arttu Luukanen, Senior Vice President Space and Defense at Solar Foods.
More information on the Terrae Novae exploration program
The Terrae Novae exploration program brings together ESA's exploration campaigns to low Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars into a unified program. This program implements the Explore2040 strategy, based on a vision in which Europe will be at the forefront of sustainable, responsible and sustainable human and robotic space exploration, making unique contributions and generating positive benefits for society. Space exploration is undoubtedly an investment in future prosperity. It creates high-quality jobs and produces immediate economic benefits. Exploration science and technology drives innovation and makes the industry more competitive.
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